Giving

CHRISTMAS IS LOVE

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Christmas has been kind of different this year. For starters, we, (my wife, Jeannie) and I; have been going to St. Thomas More Catholic Church for daily mass almost every day over the last several months. Monsignor (1) Patrick Boudeville walked us through the Old and New Testaments, explaining how it was like with the people living during those eras, and how we can relate our lives to them.

I attended mass at the close of the Advent season. It was simple, yet meaningful, in preparation for the Christmas masses.

During the period, Jeannie and I visited the major shopping malls in town to see the Christmas decorations. Many of them were very beautiful, spectacular. The individual stores, big and small; decked their stores with Christmas trees, lights and decorations that were themed with what the stores were offering for Christmas. There were multiples of Christmas carols and songs that were played and aired – sung by famous singers and new ones, too. We have noted them down and will try to get the songs to add to our personal playlists.

Eating – did I mention eating earlier on? The cakes and cookies on sale – they all looked so delicious. By just looking at them, we’ve put on some extra kilos. In our case, we didn’t just look, we had to eat… in moderation, of course.๐Ÿ˜‚

Then, when we go home, away from the hustle and bustle of things, life becomes quiet. We kind of settle back into our daily routines. Maybe, the shopping malls and stuff like that are temporary – entertainment at best. There is more to Christmas than all this.

While all this is part of Christmas, a major part (it depends on how you look at it), that is; the real meaning of Christmas is about LOVE. Love with family and friends. Back in my growing up years in the 1960s and 1970s; after receiving our Christmas presents (which was usually after attending midnight mass in church), my siblings and I were more excited visiting our cousins (yes, Christmas started at midnight – visits were after our present opening ceremony). Visits carried on for the next few days. We had Open House at our house on December 26th (every December 26th, it was at the Atkinsons’ house) – with everybody converging at our place for the next few days. It was really fun. A fun and meaningful event that is missing today.

A child that was born over 2,000 years ago, came with a promise, a gift if you may; of a love like no other, for all mankind.

JEANNIE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THIS LOVE, JOY AND PEACE OF CHRISTMAS WITH ALL OUR FAMILY, OUR FRIENDS AND THE PEOPLE THAT COME INTO OUR EVERYDAY LIVES, THOSE THAT WE MAY MEET OR SEE ONLY ONCE, BUT PLAYED A PART TO MAKE OUR DAY WHOLE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS – LOVE PEACE & JOY

This has to be one of the cutest pictures, don’t you think so?

Jeannie, feeling very much at home; what with the flowers all around.

I’m right at home, with J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter team, promoting my book,
SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. It’s a best seller!

The chair was quite comfy.

Christmas lights all around.

This is Christmas decorations – Japanese style (I think).

NOTES:
1. In the Catholic Church,ย Monsignorย (from Italianย monsignore, meaning “my Lord”) is an honorary title, not a rank, given by the Pope to certain priests for distinguished service, making them part of the “papal family” and granting them special dress/privileges. It’s a title of honor, recognizing exceptional dedication, often for those serving in diocesan leadership or the Vatican.ย 

CHRISTMAS EVE

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

My growing up years in the 1960s and 1970s on Christmas Eve morning, as I now look back were really special. It is now that I realise they were special years. My sister, brothers, parents and I were together – that has to account for the meaning “Special“. We were making sure our new clothes would be perfect for Christmas eve midnight mass, ensuring that the presents under the tree were just right, meaning that we were getting presents ๐Ÿ˜, mum was busy in the kitchen frantically cooking a feast that could (and did) feed the whole neighbourhood and dad was always busy tinseling the whole house with tinsels (it was very popular back then).

Today, things have become modern. However, the sparkle of love at Christmas is as radiant as ever.

Hark! Now, hear the angels sing, “A new King is about to be born today!”

Merry Christmas Eve to one and all.

LAY DOWN THE RULES

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

DO IT BECAUSE IT’S IN YOUR HEART,
NOT BECAUSE YOU WANT SOMETHING IN RETURN.

HOWEVER, BE DISCERNING
THAT THE RECEIPIENT IS GENUINE AND
NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOU.

LAY DOWN THE RULES UP FRONT, THAT
YOU ARE DOING IT WITHOUT EXPECTING TO BE REWARDED BECAUSE YOU WANT TO DO IT.
OR
YOU ARE DOING IT EXPECTING TO BE COMPENSATED
IN RETURN.

~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller

THE EXTRA MILE

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

VALUE TIME, EVEN IF IT IS A MOMENT.

STOP GIVING AWAY YOUR TIME AND TALENTS.
VALUE WHAT YOU KNOW AND START CHARGING FOR IT.
HOWEVER GO THE EXTRA MILE WITH YOUR TALENTS WHEN YOU DO START CHARGING.

ALWAYS MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO PAY ATTENTION IN ALL THAT YOU DO AS EVERYTHING IS YOUR TEACHER.

~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller

JOANNE YEOH : ELECTRIFYING

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

What a day it has been….and it’s not over yet.

I continued where we (Jeannie and I) left off yesterday. Yesterday, we started putting to action what we have been talking and planning for the last 2 weeks or so.

We have been putting together a public relations and marketing plan for my newly published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. We’ve been speaking to multiple people who are connected and / or related in these areas of expertise. Many, many people have offered us advice and suggestions, which we have noted and are taking into consideration. We have got certain parts of this “master plan” put into action. We are extremely excited as to how things are taking shape.

One of the things penciled (not really pencil as in using a “pencil. It’s just a figure of speech to make it look [or is it sound?] nicer or more canggih[1]) was to get a new tattoo done today. I have been wanting to add another piece of tattoo art for a few weeks but had been putting it off. One of the reasons is (or could be. Is it a reason? Haha) I had not “penciled” it in my calendar or Tasks. Which meant it was not tha-a-a-t important, until I finally pencil-ed it in. The word to stress on is “finally”.

I think another reason that I had not scheduled a tattoo appointment earlier was because I had not decided on a tattoo. There were so many (that’s putting it mildly) to choose from. When I picked one, a whole new range of others popped up. And you know how when you show an interest in something, that something pops up all over your phone, that it won’t leave you alone. It is not just one website. It’s like** everywhere. Once you’ve “invested” in that item, thing or service; it stops popping up on your screen. I know I can shut off these auto-ads, but when you are interested in something, you want to see more. And you don’t have to go looking for it. It comes to you. ๐Ÿ˜‚

I scheduled the tattoo appointment for yesterday since it was a holiday in the week (Tuesday). However, my tattooist messaged me saying that he had to cancel our appointment because he was not well. I agreed to re-schedule it for today. I mean since I decided to do it, it had to be done. I go all the way. “Strike while the iron is hot” or something like that. ๐Ÿ˜‰

The next day (that is today) came. I got a call from my cousin, Chris, asking to meet up this afternoon. I agreed, saying that we could meet after I got my tattoo done.

Towards the late part of the morning, I received a message from my tattooist that he was still not well and would not be in. I asked if one of his colleagues could “perform the procedure” in his place. He put me on to his “mentor”, a young lady by the name of “Rui”. She had to fill in (pun? intended) for another colleague who was on emergency leave, but could see me at about 5.00pm.

Which meant that I would meet with Chris first before getting my tattoo done. Our rendezvous was 2.00pm at Good Ground Bakery (GGB).

Got to GGB just before 2.00pm. Greeted by its Happiness Ambassadors (they are all very happy), Monique and Joanne (my favourite barista); I ordered a long-black and made my way to a table past the counter as the tables in front were all taken up.

Chris arrived a short while later. By that time, there was a table in front that was available, so we decided to sit there. We had our usual family updates. Lots of yarns and jokes.

Sitting in front gives us a view of the outside through the full length glass panels and door, sort of “al fresco” but in the comfort of air-conditioning, away from the hot and humid afternoon weather.

GGB had its usual crowd. People kept coming and going. Then suddenly, this tall very attractive lady, a model in her own right; swung open the door and stepped in. I recognized her instantly. My favourite violinist (not just any violinist, but an electric violinist) of all time; Joanne Yeoh. “Hi, Joanne”, I greeted her.

The stunningly beautiful Joanne Yeoh and me.

I was elated to see her, in person. Joanne instantly caught my attention when I first met her over 20 years ago. I took to her immediately. Her persona was one of vibrance, excitement, fun, seriousness, humble, gentle and kind. If I was to point out the very first thing that struck me about her, it was that she was electrifyingly colourfully bold, with a smile that melts hearts. She captures her audience instantaneously. I was one of them.

Joanne is one of those super amazing people that you could become best friends with immediately. I was blown away by her amazing talent and showmanship. This virtue of hers has stuck with me since then.

We have been communicating with each other through Facebook and Instagram through the years but never had the opportunity to meet again…until now. In fact, I was thinking about her over the last few days. There’s a saying, “Long life”.

One of the things she did recently, that touched me was when she performed for the Kajang prison inmates. It was indeed, a noble gesture.

Joanne Yeoh with her copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

I believe and know that this is in her nature…to inspire and bring joy, hope and love with her talent and kindness.

I told Joanne that I spend many an afternoon, having coffee and pastries at GGB. Always a good place to be. I also mentioned that I just published a book and showed her a copy of it which I had with me. She purchased a copy for herself and asked to personalise it for her; which I gladly did. It was more an honour for me.

Joanne was in GGB for about half an hour and then left. It was also about the time for me to make my way for my appointment with Rui, the tattooist. Keep a lookout for my write-up on my new tattoo. It promises a message, too. Till then…

NOTES:
1. Canggih is a Malay word for sophisticated in English.

**Did I just use the “like” word as a matter of speaking, sounding like ’em youngsters? I am young, no denying that; just a bit older than ’em young ones.๐Ÿ˜‰

WHEN BROTHERS OF DIFFERENT PARENTS MEET

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Where have all those young years gone? What happened? All of a sudden, reality hits, we are still very much the same as when we were in school, well at least since our memories serve us well.

A few weeks ago, there was mention in our La Salle@75 WhatsApp (that’s a Social Media communication app on devices like smartphones, electronic pads and computers…for those who aren’t sure) about us, guys, getting together for a physical meet up. It has been many years since we last had one.

Mak Weng Kit straight away replied, “I’m in”. I, too; was game and thought it was a capital idea. As the saying goes, “Time waits for no man”, weeks went by when the suggestion was made.

I decided to buzz Weng Kit for us to meet first, to start the ball rolling with the hope that this will begin a more than once meeting on a regular basis. Then, others can join us in our future meetings.

It was good to know that Weng Kit kept busy by being “Grandpa” to his five grandchildren, two of whom live abroad. He told me that he could only meet after 1.00pm because he had to pick his granddaughter up from school. He made a suggestion that we meet in the coming week at Starling (another place where all the “stars” meet? [in reference to my other articles written about Star Bhavan]) Mall in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya; or any place I suggested. He would be there.

I counter- suggested Happy Mansion, Section 17, also in Petaling Jaya; as there usually is ample parking space there. Date: The coming Monday. Meet time: 2.00pm. Weng Kit agreed. It was set. The meeting of the year. I was thrilled that it was an “all systems go” for our meet. The following explains why…

Come Monday, I was out on my walk, probably faster than I usually do, in the build up to 2.00pm. Another reason for my faster walk-than-usual was probably because I was held up by my morning replies to my emails and social media. There seemed to be more than the usual numbers, and people seemed to be responding faster to my responses of their original messages to me. I crossed the allocated time I set for this daily morning exercise.

I completed my walk in the nick of time. Had a shower, got ready and spruced up a bit more than usual. Texted / messaged / Whatsapped Weng Kit at the time I was leaving my house and told him I would be at our meeting place, Good Blue Men before 2.00pm.

Traffic was good from Subang Jaya all the way to the venue. I arrived a few minutes before 2.00pm. Weng Kit, arrived just after me, before 2.00pm, too. Punctuality.๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‰

We were both really happy to meet, face-to-face, after many years. The last time we met was our La Salle 1975 batch gathering in 2014. Since then, it has only been through social media.

Weng Kit is a happily retired from business, businessman. The head of a growing “Mak Weng Kit” clan (his son, the third of three children; is getting married at the end of this year), Weng Kit and his wife devote their time to their children and grandchildren. Weng Kit is also an avid golfer, marathon runner and adventurous road bike cyclist going on long cycle trips.

However, his keep-fit activities have temporarily come to a stop because he recently had a knee-cap replacement. Which means, taking things real easy. However, Weng Kit is still looking really good.

Weng Kit has been keeping abreast about Laura, Jeannie and family through all the articles I have been posting on leatherpotato.com . The latest being Laura’s marriage. And of course, the publishing of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

We talked very fondly about the past, the time when most of our La Salle friends were in our (Atkinson) No. 21, Jalan Ladang house (which was a few hundred meters away from school). From early morning to late night, every day. The guys used to stay over, too. My sister, Jennifer, had her friends from Convent School stay over, too. 21, Jalan Ladang was a pretty big house. It had a very large compound, all round, with a badminton court, too. Our usual day activities were badminton, football, hockey, table-tennis, and darts. We had many dance parties there, too because of its big courtyard just out of the living room. That house sure had many, many, many great memories.

We talked about all our cherished friends and teachers, many are no, longer with us…Hock Chai, Andrew Rozario, Kien Tat…. our teachers like Mr. Ho Chai Fong, Mr. Julian Xavier and the Lopez brothers (Mr. Joseph and recently, Mr. Anthony), among others.

We talked about those who were our temporary teachers like Dr. Khoo Phaik Choo, who was a temporary teacher when she was 20 years old, and we boys, 13. Over the years, she has become a renowned Paediatrician in Malaysia. Another temp teacher was a person by the name of Kenny. He was a fun teacher, always cracking jokes and communicated well with the boys, maybe because he was not that much older than us.

Yes, we, the boys from the 1975 batch have been blessed with an amazing spectrum of dedicated teachers. A couple more of such teachers today are Mr. Michael Xavier; and Mrs. Sivakumar. Mr. Xavier, who is in our Whatsapp group, never fails to wish us with his “Good morning guys and take care message, each morning. Mrs. Sivakumar, whenever we reach out to her, will respond to us. She never looks a day older than when she taught us in class back in 1972. She was our History teacher in Form Two.

Soon, far too quickly; it was time for us to go back to our family lives. But not without Weng Kit having gotten his very own personalized copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. He paid far more than the price of the book, which I thanked him for and said that it will be passed on to a needy cause. Weng Kit has always been a generous person.

We took this picture๐Ÿ‘†, too. Definitely one for the album.

I think what Weng Kit and I felt which we did not talk about, did not see the need to, or there were no words at that time to describe it; was the aura of re-uniting in person. That is friendship taken to a different level.

We will work towards making meetings like this on a more regular basis. We don’t need a major reason to do so. However, Weng Kit reminded me that this is our 50th anniversary year of the 1975 La Salle Klang alumni. I told him that I am in with him, to organize a re-union of sorts for the boys of that year, and the teachers, too. That will be interesting.